Wivina Monastery

St. Wivina Abbey, also known as Groot-Bijgaarden Abbey, is linked to St. Wivina. In the 12th century, Saint Wivina retreated to a spring in the forest west of Brussels, together with her friend Emwara. Other women joined them and formed a community under the rule of St. Benedict. This is how a priory was created, which was placed under the protection of the abbey of Affligem by Godfrey I of Brabant. In 1578, during the Dutch Revolt, the women fled to Dendermonde and later to Brussels. They did not return until 1598 to begin a complete reconstruction. Most of the buildings were completely renovated in the 18th century. In 1802, many buildings were demolished, with the exception of the gatehouse, the priest's house, the infirmary, and the farmhouse. Since 1996, the abbey has been recognised as a monument and the walls as a townscape.

Dromos